Joe is the father of two sons with hemophilia. He and his wife, Cazandra, are active members in the bleeding disorders community and often facilitate workshops both locally and nationally. Joe is a pastor in the United Methodist Church and writes a blog about spirituality and faith. You may follow his blog at www.joekmac.com.My wife, Cazandra, and I had a brief discussion as we continued packing what seemed like a million boxes for our move from Rio Communities, which is near Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Las Cruces, about 200 miles south. Between the phrases “That goes there” and “Put that box in that…
Many of my recent columns have focused on my youngest son, Caeleb, and his transition into adulthood. I’ve shared how we’ve empowered him to live his best life, including lessons on taking responsibility for himself as he navigates the world. He must take the baton that we’ve handed him. We…
Last week I traveled to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to spend a few days with my wife, Cazandra. She works as a hospice chaplain there and usually travels back to Belen, our current home, on weekends. We’ll end this busy commute schedule next month, when we both move full…
Despite what appears to be a tranquil season regarding my sons’ hemophilia, I know it simmers right under the surface and could rear its ugly head immediately. For now, life is good. As my wife, Cazandra, and I are moving a couple hundred miles away as we…
My youngest son, Caeleb, received great news last week from his college, the University of New Mexico: A letter confirmed that he has a dormitory room for school next year. When he showed the letter to my wife, Cazandra, and me, we shouted for joy. Everything associated with our…
As I sat in my office chair working on bills and other household needs this past Saturday afternoon, my youngest son, Caeleb, approached me and asked if we could talk for a few minutes. His mannerisms told me he needed to share something dire, so I stopped typing, turned to…
Last night, my youngest son, Caeleb, and I talked about our unique experiences with Easter egg hunts. My boy is now a 19-year-old man who is finishing his first year at the University of New Mexico. He enjoys studying cinematography and graphic design and hopes to find an internship in…
I took my youngest son, Caeleb, to the train station near our home this morning. He rides from our little town to downtown Albuquerque, about 30 miles from our house, to the University of New Mexico campus, where he’s a student. He has hemophilia and chooses not to drive.
My alarm rings every day at 7 a.m. I get out of bed, brush my teeth, take my medications, and start my day. As the coffee maker begins to brew a fantastic cup of decaffeinated piñon coffee, I take my girls — my dogs, Laggie and Hildie — outside. I…
Last weekend was a testament to the importance of community support for those who struggle with bleeding disorders. As the vice president of Sangre de Oro, the New Mexico chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF), I’ve witnessed the challenges our organization has faced over the years.
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